Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Teachers Excelling at Latham Centers

Two
months ago, I had the pleasure of nominating one of our employees for
the “2015 Excellence in Teaching Award” hosted and awarded by
the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (maaps). In
contemplating which teacher I would nominate amongst our vastly talented
teachers, Meghan stood out for many reasons. The award was given to
another deserving candidate, however, Meghan deserves
extreme recognition for her contributions and dedication to Latham Centers.

Meghan has taught in one of our older classrooms, “Nauset”, for two and
half years, and has expanded her career in many aspects. Meghan is
enrolled
in her masters and continues to volunteer outside of Latham. She ran
the Falmouth Road Race in Latham’s honor this past year and raised
significant funds for the work we do here at Latham. She created and
instructs our, “Lights Camera Action” club which uses
digital media to create theannouncements that are played in all
of our classrooms each morning. Meghan expanded her mastery of this by
creating more differentiated forms of media and is teaching the
students how to use each one. Meghan also creates a yearbook
each year for the students and staff. She utilizes different electronic
cameras to take pictures of staff and students, and utilizes a program
on the computer to put together a yearbook. Meghan is also proficient in
her use of the iPad and Promethean Board
in her classroom. Her expertise in many modes of technology is one to
be admired. She is consistently finding new resources to utilize in her
curriculum and integrates the vast and expanding world of technology
in her classroom.

One of the most outstanding contributions Meghan has made here at Latham is
her integration of a class entitled “Nauset Circle”. Meghan has created
a time block in her classroom schedule dedicated to students learning
how to communicate with one another on a variety of topics. Meghan has
created a curriculum that encompasses the need for positive, effective
communication amongst both staff and peers.
Upon viewing this class, one sees that all students are active
participants; raising hands, speaking clearly and softly, and engaged.
Meghan ensures that all of her students’ voices are heard, and that all
thoughts and feelings are shared. Meghan also has
created a dynamic where voices are talked about; what one student
brings up, the entire class has a discussion on. Meghan has instilled an
amazing atmosphere in her classroom.

Meghan has also been an influential member of our team in that she goes
above and beyond for her coworkers. She is the first to volunteer
to stay late on a shift, come in early, or go the extra mile in any
way. She is always willing to assist students in any area, including
off-campus opportunities, sensory art integration, and vocational work. I
cannot express the overwhelming gratitude we
have for Meghan and her work. She is a honest, engaging, and
hard-working coworker who is always striving to be a better version
of herself. Her dedication to the educational team here at Latham and
her dedication to her students is inspiring.